Relay squad ‘will put controversy behind them’

Ireland’s Olympic Team manager said last night the women’s 4x400m relay team will put the controversy that embroiled the squad behind them and move forward towards their goal — a place in the Olympic final.

Patsy McGonagle admitted that what happened was unfortunate and said he felt very sorry for both girls involved — Joanna Mills, whose London 2012 dream has been shattered, and Catriona Cuddihy who will replace her in the squad after a very upsetting and potentially divisive wrangle over selection. Cuddihy was originally selected and then replaced on appeal to the Athletics Ireland Appeals panel — a decision subsequently reversed on appeal to the OCI.

“It was most unfortunate that this should have happened,” he said. “But I know this squad well and I know they will put it behind them. They have worked unbelievably hard to achieve qualification and get themselves to the point where they are, collectively, fulfilling their Olympic dream. I know how much they have put into it at every level and the sacrifices they have made and I know that they will rise above and beyond this controversy and give a very good account of themselves at the Olympic Games.”